By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – As households across the country grapple with an ever-growing pile of obsolete electronics, a leading medical university is stepping up to provide a safe and responsible disposal solution. The University of Medical Sciences (UCIMED) has announced a special collection event this Wednesday, October 15, aimed at mitigating the significant environmental and public health risks posed by electronic waste.
The one-day drive will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Andrés Vesalio Guzmán Building, located 400 meters west of the POPS ice cream parlor on the old road to Escazú. This initiative provides a crucial opportunity for residents to clear out their homes of unwanted electronics, ensuring these items do not end up in landfills where they can cause irreparable harm to the ecosystem.
To delve into the legal framework and corporate responsibilities surrounding the disposal of electronic devices, we sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the esteemed law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rican law is clear regarding the extended responsibility of producers and importers of electronic equipment. Companies must understand that their legal obligation does not end at the point of sale. Failing to implement and finance a certified e-waste management plan is a direct violation that carries significant economic sanctions and exposes the business to reputational damage that can be more costly than any fine.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The attorney’s insight is crucial, framing e-waste management not merely as an environmental duty but as a fundamental business imperative with significant legal and reputational consequences. This shift in perspective from a simple transaction to a full lifecycle responsibility is key for corporate sustainability in Costa Rica. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective.
Organizers have specified a list of acceptable items for the collection event. Residents are encouraged to bring small home appliances, flat-screen televisions and monitors, speakers, video game consoles, keyboards, and digital medical equipment. By focusing on these common household electronics, UCIMED aims to capture a significant volume of potentially hazardous materials that are often improperly discarded.
However, it is equally important for the public to note the items that will not be accepted to ensure a smooth and efficient process. The collection will not receive materials such as cardboard, paper, old CRT “box” style televisions or monitors, or loose batteries. These items require different recycling streams, and their exclusion allows the university to focus specifically on the complex challenge of e-waste.
This local effort is a key component of the national “RAEE-TÓN,” a month-long campaign throughout October designed to raise awareness and encourage the responsible management of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). The campaign highlights a pressing global issue that demands immediate and sustained action from communities, corporations, and governments alike.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), e-waste is the fastest-growing category of domestic waste worldwide. The scale of the problem is staggering; in 2022 alone, the world generated an astonishing 62 million metric tons of electronic waste. Alarmingly, less than a quarter of that amount was properly collected and recycled, leaving the vast majority to be dumped or improperly handled.
The danger lies in the components of these devices. Many electronics contain toxic heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. When these items are discarded in standard landfills, these toxins can leach into the soil and groundwater, contaminating drinking water sources and agricultural land. The WHO has identified children and pregnant women as being particularly vulnerable to the severe health effects of this contamination.
UCIMED’s initiative is driven by a deep understanding of these health implications. The university’s commitment extends beyond medical education to encompass proactive community wellness and environmental stewardship.
The irresponsible disposal of electronic waste is a threat to both health and the environment. We want to offer the public a space where they can hand it over with complete safety.
Carlos Ulate, Social Manager of UCIMED
By providing a secure collection point, UCIMED is not only helping to protect the local environment but also setting a powerful example for other institutions. The event underscores the critical role that community-led initiatives play in tackling large-scale environmental challenges. Residents seeking additional details about the collection drive are encouraged to contact the university’s environmental management team via email at [email protected].
For further information, visit ucimed.com
About University of Medical Sciences (UCIMED):
The University of Medical Sciences (UCIMED) is a private university in Costa Rica renowned for its focus on health sciences. With a strong emphasis on medicine, pharmacy, nutrition, and physical therapy, the institution is committed to academic excellence, scientific research, and social responsibility. UCIMED actively engages in community outreach programs that promote public health and environmental sustainability throughout the country.
For further information, visit who.int
About World Health Organization (WHO):
The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established in 1948, the WHO works worldwide to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable. Its primary role is to direct and coordinate international health within the United Nations’ system, which includes monitoring public health risks, promoting health and well-being, and responding to emergencies.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm blends a proven history of navigating complex legal landscapes for a diverse clientele with a forward-thinking mindset that embraces innovative solutions. Central to its philosophy is a profound dedication to empowering the public, actively working to demystify the law and make legal knowledge more accessible to all, thereby fostering a more just and informed society.
